Let’s start with America Recycles Day. The holiday originally began in 1997, so today marks 21 years of the initiative. The nationally-recognised scheme aims to encourage Americans to recycle, and many communities promote the holiday for weeks before the day. It’s a way to educate, encourage and inform, with a long-term view to make recycling a part of everyday life.
There are so many uses to unwanted items, you just have to think outside the box!
And ‘Use Less Stuff Day’ also hold similar motives. Established as part of a campaign to save the environment, this holiday aims to encourage citizens to think about how much stuff they use, keep and purchase, and how much of that we actually need.
So, combining the two, a certain trend springs to mind.
Sometimes known as creative reuse, upcycling is the activity in which, rather than throwing out old things we don’t need or use anymore, adapting them for a different use.
This means transforming unwanted products into new materials of better quality and use, simultaneously bettering their environmental value.
If you search the internet for upcycling inspiration, you’ll discover a world of quirky out-the-box thinking to create use for old things. And we’re not talking about turning an empty tissue roll tube into a children’s flute, or a shoebox into a robot. This is hard-core green-living ideas - bowler hats become lamp shades and ladders become bookshelves. It’s definitely worth having a look at.
Upcycled products certainly have a rustic, quirky and vintage feel to them, but can add a great individual touch to your home. It contributes to saving the environment, and helps to unleash our creative side.
Saving the world whilst having fun - there really aren't any downsides.
And it doesn’t just have to be furniture - even things like seasonal decorations can be made from upcycling old things.
So, why not take some time to think about how you can improve your old life-less belongings into multi-use products? The opportunities are endless.
Tagged in environment